After losing 1-0 in the first leg of the quarter-finals in the Champions League, Bayern are under a lot of pressure against Villarreal on Tuesday (9 p.m.). The former Spanish national player and ex-Villarreal professional Santi Cazorla addressed warning words to the German record champions from Munich.
“They have to change their mindset to have any chance of progressing,” said Santi Cazorla of the “picture“-Newspaper quoted.
With this statement, the 37-year-old, who is currently ending his career in Qatar with Al-Sadd SC, is alluding to the fact that FC Bayern may have underestimated FC Villarreal in the first leg.
“I think they thought they could win without putting in 100% effort,” said Cazorla, adding: “Villarreal showed against Juve, among other things, that they were even able to meet the best teams in the world on an equal footing.”
In the round of 16, the yellow submarine has already thrown out a favorite from the premier class with Juventus Turin. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Villarreal clearly won 3-0 in Turin.
Villarreal hopes for “golden moment” against Bayern Munich
“Villarreal is just very organized and focused in all aspects of their game and they can hurt Bayern with their quick counterattacks,” warned Cazorla, pointing out: “They have some absolutely quality players because they have them.”
According to the former Arsenal star, Villarreal will also rely on “good tactical organization” in the second leg, as well as counterattacks and the “golden moment” for another goal.
Cazorla broke through as a professional with Villarreal FC and returned in 2018 after his England adventure.
The midfielder made 329 competitive appearances for Bayern Munich’s opponents. He scored 57 goals.
With Spain’s national team, Cazorla was twice European champion. In 2007 he was voted Spain’s footballer of the year.